The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-07-27
The New School Law.

We have looked with some interest
for the time when we could confirm our
judgment as to the wisdom of the
changes made il the school law by the
Legislature at its last session. Strange
to say, the first report on the subject,
that has come to our knowledge, we find
in the Chickasaw Messenger, which, if
we mistake not has more than once said
that one of the imperative duties Of the
next Legislature would be to repeal the
new law, or modify it in is most inn
portant and essential particulars. With
the report which we have before us
staring it in the face, we wonder what
is the present view of our esteemed con-
temporary on the subject.
Here are some valuable extracts from
the report, which is made by Mr.. J. T.
Parker, undoubtedly one of the best
County Superintendent in the State:
We maintained our public schools in
1886 only four months, at cost of Sl9. POS
closed at the end of the fourth month.
they would have cost us $13,5 or 81. 635
less than they cost US last year for the
same time. The term of five months this
year cost us $l6,553, or S2,655 less than
the four months term last year.
The immense saving is not due to re-
duced salaries. Our best teachers are
paid from five TO fifteen dollars per month.
more than the same teachers received last
year, and our inferior teachers are paid all
or more than they are worth. 1t is partly
due to the consolidation of schools that
were In close proximity to each other
but, is mainly due to close and vigilant
supervision.
No feature OF the "New School Law" is
so valuable as that which increases the
responsibilities, powers and duties of
County Superintendent. The contrast be.
tween the school expenses of this year and
the expenses of year ago. and between
the schools of to-day and the schools of a
year ago, is a sufficient testimonial of its
value. The County Superintendent for
merly knew little or nothing of the copdi-
ton, wants or needs of the schools of his
county. The State Superintendent was
powerless in the midst of waste, extraya-
gance, disorder and confusion, for the
want OF connecting link between him
self and the schools. He could do no
effective work through County Superir.
tendent whose powers and duties were
little more than those of a paymaster.
Trustees existed only in name. They
knew little about their schools and cared
less. And the schools were conducted
recklessly in haphazard way, in many
instances, with view to doing as little
work as possible and flching from the
treasury all that greedy hands could
gather. The examination of teachers was
farce. The riff-raff and scallawags and
mugwumps of society were freely admitted
into q profession which should and will
be one of the highest and most honorable
in the land.
The indispensable link has been supplied
by increasing the powers and duties of
County Superintendents, and with this
supplied link begins period Of the most
marked and rapid progress that our schools
have ever enjoyed. System, order, organi-
cation with all the improvement that these
imply, have appeared in the schools, and
taken the place of chaos, disorder, frauds
and speculation And the promptness and
certainty with which directions and in
structions Of the State Superintendent and
the State Board of Education are executed,
have secured an almost equal progress in
all our counties, and have given us q
State system In fact as well as in name.